By: KSU University Relations
KENNESAW, Ga. – (Mar. 7, 2011) — In a move aimed at tackling serious problems with the academic progress of student-athletes in the university’s men’s basketball program, Kennesaw State’s interim athletic director today announced that contracts for Head Basketball Coach Tony Ingle and his staff of assistant coaches would not be renewed.
KSU Interim Athletic Director Scott Whitlock said that the move was “regrettable but necessary” in light of the continuing academic challenges and difficulties the men’s basketball program faced. Whitlock stressed that these challenges and difficulties were centered on academic performance, not academic integrity. He further said that tough measures were required to address the program’s academic performance issues.
“We have already lost one men’s basketball scholarship, and we anticipate further NCAA action due to the continuing academic deficiencies of the program,” Whitlock stated. He added, “We know that this is a strong action, but it was made after extensive analysis of the past and present academic performance of the men’s basketball team. This is an action taken after full consultation and discussion among and between the athletic administration, the university’s administration, the faculty athletic representative, and the leadership of the KSU Athletic Board.”
Kennesaw State University President Dr. Daniel S. Papp said he strongly supports the decision, and stands with the interim athletic director. “This action does not diminish this institution’s appreciation of Coach Ingle’s contributions to this university,” Papp declared. “We thank him for the more than 10 years of dedicated service that he has provided to KSU, and join him in taking pride in his accomplishments, including the 2004 NCAA Division II Championship. We truly wish him well.”
“By taking this action,” Whitlock stated, “we send a strong message to all of our coaches and to our players that our athletes are students first. They are here to gain an education and a degree. While we value our sports program, and we enjoy winning, it will not be at any expense – and certainly not at the expense of students getting the education that they expect and deserve.”
Whitlock and Papp will name a search committee this week to identify a candidate pool from which to select a new men’s head basketball coach. Once appointed, the new coach will assemble his staff. Both Whitlock and Papp indicated their expectation for a smooth and professional transition that will benefit both current players and recruits.
Coach Ingle became head coach of KSU men’s basketball in 2000. He began his collegiate coaching career in 1985 at Gordon College, in Barnesville, Ga., departing Gordon in 1988 to coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. He moved to Brigham Young University in 1989, serving there as assistant coach for eight seasons. He became a scout for the Utah Jazz in 1997, and a color commentator for Mountain West Conference broadcasts in 1999.
